Apprentice commencements jumped 17.7% in the September quarter 2025, compared with the previous year, coinciding with the introduction of the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) on 1 July 2025.

The largest increases were among Construction Trades Workers (up 36.5%) and Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers (up 14.4%).

The KAP provides a payment of $10,000 to eligible apprentices engaged in new energy and housing construction, spread over the duration of the apprenticeship.

Despite the KAP-fuelled bump, the total number of in-training contracts fell by 10.3% from 30 September 2024. Trade contracts were down 6.7%, to 217,350, while non-trade contracts declined by 18.8%, to 80,555.

NCVER Managing Director John King said the latest figures show both encouraging signs and ongoing pressures in the apprenticeship system.

“The September quarter’s lift in trade commencements and completions is welcome news, particularly for the construction industry where many employers report skills shortages,” Mr King said.

“It represents thousands more people starting and finishing apprenticeships in trades such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, occupations that are central to building homes, maintaining infrastructure and supporting Australia’s energy systems.

“At the same time, the longer-term trend shows commencements remain lower over the past year and the total number of apprentices in training has declined.”